Victoria, Canada prepares for Snowbirds airshow with road closures and traffic delays

The Victoria Police Department announced that the annual Canadian Forces Snowbirds airshow will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, marking the 55th anniversary of the event. Up to 30,000 spectators are expected, and the department warned of significant traffic delays and road closures along the Dallas Road waterfront.

Parking restrictions begin at noon, and from 3 p.m. to about 6 p.m. Dallas Road between Douglas Street and Memorial Crescent, Cook Street between May Street and Dallas Road, Douglas Street between Simcoe Street and Dallas Road, and Memorial Crescent between Fairfield Street and Dallas Road will be closed. Residents of the James Bay and Fairfield neighbourhoods are advised to allow extra travel time, consider walking, cycling or transit, and be patient after the show as exit routes are limited. Police officers will be on site, using a drone to monitor crowds and traffic, and have designated meeting points for anyone separated from family or needing assistance. The show is likely the last Snowbirds performance on Vancouver Island before the aging CL‑41 Tutor jets are retired, with Ottawa planning replacements by the early 2030s.